A Formula 1 photographer lost $30,000 worth of camera equipment during the Mexico Grand Prix after thieves targeted an unattended bag in the media center. The incident happened on Wednesday, when the Australian photographer, who uses the name Ryan, left his gear in a shared workspace while stepping away briefly.
Upon returning five minutes later, Ryan found his bag empty. Security footage revealed two men pretending to install wiring under desks while searching through his belongings. Exterior cameras later captured them fleeing with two Canon R1 cameras and lenses, including a 100-300mm, an 85mm, and a 14-35mm model.
The theft took advantage of the media center’s ongoing setup. Workers were still installing equipment, and flooding had disrupted the press conference room, providing distractions. Fellow photographer Kym Illman observed that the chaos gave thieves an opportunity, calling it a reminder about equipment security.
This was not the first time F1 media centers faced theft. Illman referenced past incidents, including empty lockers at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France and a stolen long lens at the Hungaroring in Hungary. Photographers had also reported camera straps being cut to access gear.
Following the Mexico theft, photographers made immediate adjustments. They began locking laptops in secure storage when unattended and increased awareness of security risks. Illman stressed the importance of vigilance, stating, “The practical lesson was not to assume that a familiar working environment made unattended equipment safe.”
Formula 1 media centers are provided to accredited press at every event, but their layouts differ. Photographers generally have designated workspaces separate from written and visual media teams, though access controls vary by circuit.
In addition to physical security concerns, the incident highlighted the need for better monitoring. Some photographers suggested installing additional surveillance cameras in shared areas, while others proposed stricter access protocols. The F1 organization has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but local reports indicate internal discussions about improving security measures.
Image creditsHeader photo licensed via Depositphotos.
